Corporate Development Manager - Roka Akor - Scottsdale, AZ
(2025-12)
- Lead cross-functional operations and strategic development initiatives across five restaurant locations, partnering with executive leadership to drive consistency, scalability, and performance.
- Oversee multi-unit management teams, providing guidance, accountability, and performance coaching to ensure alignment with brand standards and operational goals.
- Direct company-wide event strategy and execution, coordinating large-scale and VIP events across all locations while standardizing processes to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
- Act as a central HR and people-operations leader, supporting recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and policy implementation across the organization.
- Partner on payroll operations and workforce planning, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with business needs.
- Spearhead implementation of new systems and technologies, including operational platforms, HR tools, and process improvements—driving adoption across all locations.
- Develop and refine SOPs, workflows, and infrastructure to support rapid growth and operational consistency across multiple markets.
- Serve as a key liaison between ownership, corporate leadership, and on-site teams, ensuring clear communication and execution of company initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvement, cost control, and revenue optimization, contributing to overall business performance and scalability.
Operations Manager - Wish You Were Here Group (Élephante) - Scottsdale, AZ
(2024-10 - 2025-12)
- Direct daily operations in a high-volume, fine-dining environment, leading a team of 100+ front-of-house staff to deliver exceptional service while maintaining efficiency and composure in a fast-paced setting.
- Own all reservation and booking operations, including managing the reservation platform, coordinating large party logistics, and optimizing table flow to balance guest satisfaction with revenue goals.
- Oversee all office administration functions, including ordering, inventory of FOH supplies, system upkeep, and vendor coordination—ensuring seamless behind-the-scenes operations.
- Lead guest relations and reputation management initiatives: monitor and respond to online reviews, proactively engage with guests post-visit, and implement service recovery strategies to build lasting client relationships.
- Act as the primary point of contact for VIP guests and high-profile clientele, crafting bespoke experiences and managing sensitive requests with discretion and attention to detail.
- Spearhead onboarding and HR support across departments; develop and deliver cross-functional training programs that reinforce brand standards, service excellence, and team accountability.
- Played a central role in the successful launch of a new restaurant location—recruiting and training staff, implementing systems, and establishing foundational SOPs to ensure operational success.
- Partner with internal teams to coordinate and execute private events and high-impact functions, overseeing logistics, staffing, and guest experience from planning to execution.
- Mentor and coach team leads and line-level staff through ongoing development initiatives, contributing to a resilient, performance-driven team culture.
Operations Manager - DraftKings at TPC - Scottsdale, AZ
(2023-09 - 2024-10)
- Contribute to the launch of a restaurant, ensuring the implementation of operational systems and team culture that fosters exceptional service.
- Supervise a team while maintaining high standards of guest experience, managing customer feedback, and resolving issues swiftly and diplomatically.
- Coordinate a wide range of events, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish.
- Collaborate with chefs, vendors, and other departments to ensure cohesive event experiences, from catering to décor and entertainment.
- Manage event budgets, optimizing resources to deliver quality results while adhering to financial constraints.
- Ensure all event-related communications are streamlined between staff, clients, and vendors for efficient and timely service delivery.
- Foster a welcoming and safe environment, ensuring that customer satisfaction and service quality remain paramount.
Operations Manager - Postino WineCafe - Tempe, AZ
(2020-08 - 2023-08)
- Managed daily front-of-house operations in a high-volume, customer-centric restaurant, ensuring optimal guest experiences and seamless service delivery during peak hours.
- Coordinated and executed special events, private functions, and seasonal promotions, ensuring attention to detail and flawless guest service from start to finish.
- Implemented and led training programs to develop strong service skills among team members, particularly in areas of communication, teamwork, and event-specific service standards.
- Displayed strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills by addressing guest concerns, managing event logistics, and maintaining a positive atmosphere under pressure.
- Contributed to team building and the creation of a supportive, high-performance work environment, fostering a collaborative atmosphere during both daily operations and special event coordination.
- Developed and implemented service protocols for events, ensuring all team members were well-prepared to execute under pressure and meet guest expectations.
Service Lead - Restaurant 604 - Honolulu, HI
(2019-08 - 2020-03)
- Led front-of-house operations and collaborated closely with management to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery.
- Trained and mentored new team members on service standards, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence.
- Coordinated pre-event planning, including menu selections, seating arrangements, and special requests, guaranteeing seamless transitions and minimal disruptions during events.
- Oversaw the timely setup and breakdown of events, ensuring that all areas were prepared for service and quickly returned to normal operation post-event.
- Managed high-profile banquet events, coordinating logistics and ensuring flawless execution.
- Addressed guest complaints with empathy and professionalism, ensuring positive outcomes and repeat business.
Manager - Aloha Salads - Mililani, HI
(2018-02 - 2019-08)
- Managed daily operations, overseeing inventory, staff scheduling, and customer service to ensure the highest standards of performance and consistently exceptional guest satisfaction.
- Streamlined processes and optimized workflows, driving efficiency and maintaining a smooth and effective operation in a high-demand environment.
- Trained and developed staff on service excellence, effective communication, and conflict resolution, fostering a high-performing, solution-oriented team culture.
- Played a key role in resolving customer concerns swiftly and professionally, turning potentially negative situations into positive experiences and cultivating long-term loyalty.
- Championed service quality by monitoring performance, providing real-time feedback, and ensuring all team members were equipped to deliver a seamless guest experience.
